That includes, Barron predicts, a focus on the championship this summer and an experimental league campaign.

"I think we do have a strong panel. The last few years the nature of the league being so competitive Derek has tried to play as strong a team as he could most of the time, but this year will be different.

"There will be a lot of youth in the squad and a lot of changes trying to strengthen up the panel and see who is going to be able to play in the championship come May."

The fact that Michael 'Brick' Walsh is staying on at 34 is a big boost to the Deise, but not a surprise in Barron's eyes.

"He’s the one guy that when the going gets tough he’s always there fighting and winning ball and encouraging other lads, what he brings even to the dressing room is phenomenal," said the 23-year-old.

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"I don’t think he was ever going to step away, in today’s game once a fella hits 30 they just expect him to retire straight away but Brick looks after himself so well that’s it’s no issue for him to stay on.

"The only factor that could take him away is he has a young family and young kids. But he’s still probably one of the fittest in the panel.

"Brick is the ultimate team player. Without Brick, I think you'd see a different Waterford.

"So we're just delighted to have him back for another year.”

An independent evaluation by Waterford IT has revealed that the GAA Healthy Club Project (HCP) is already showing significant and lasting improvements to the health of communities across Ireland. Stemming from this, the Healthy Club Project is calling on further clubs to make the GAA a healthier place for everyone to enjoy, by signing up to this transformative initiative. Clubs can apply to participate in the Healthy Club Project by completing the online form on www.gaa.ie/community The closing date is Monday, January 29th.